Is a gratuity mandatory?

As a cultural and etiquette expert with a focus on dining practices, I often encounter questions about the nature of gratuities in various service industries, particularly within the hospitality sector. The question of whether a gratuity is mandatory is a nuanced one, as it can vary greatly depending on the context, the location, and the specific policies of an establishment.
Firstly, it's important to understand what a gratuity is. A gratuity, often referred to as a tip, is a sum of money customarily given by a customer to certain service sector workers for additional service beyond the basic service expected in a business transaction. It is a reward for good service and is generally considered a part of the income for many service workers, especially in countries where service charges are not included in the bill.
In the United States, tipping is a common practice and is generally expected in restaurants, bars, taxis, and other service industries. The customary amount to tip in restaurants is between 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill, depending on the quality of service. However, whether a gratuity is considered "mandatory" can depend on several factors:

1. Policies of the Establishment: Some restaurants have a policy of adding a mandatory service charge or gratuity to the bill, especially for larger parties. This is often stated on the menu or the bill itself. In such cases, not paying the gratuity could be seen as a violation of the restaurant's policy.

2. Legal Considerations: While it is rare for customers to be arrested for not paying a discretionary tip, there have been instances where individuals were arrested for not paying a mandatory gratuity that was included in the bill. However, charges are generally dropped, indicating that the legal stance on this issue is not entirely clear-cut.

3. Cultural Expectations: In many cultures, tipping is not just a reward for service but also a social norm. Failure to tip can be seen as a significant social faux pas and might lead to embarrassment or even confrontation in some cases.

4. Service Quality: The quality of service can influence the decision to tip. If the service is poor, customers might choose to leave a smaller tip or none at all. However, this is a personal decision and can vary widely among individuals.

5. Inclusion in the Bill: Some services, like certain cruise lines, include a mandatory tipping amount in their daily charges, which is separate from any additional gratuities for specific services like alcoholic beverages. This is a clear case where a portion of the gratuity is not discretionary but is built into the cost of the service.
It's also worth noting that tipping practices can differ significantly around the world. In some countries, tipping is not customary and can even be considered rude. In others, a service charge is automatically added to the bill, which serves the purpose of a tip. Understanding the local customs and practices is crucial when determining whether and how much to tip.
In conclusion, whether a gratuity is mandatory is a complex issue that depends on the specific circumstances. It's always a good idea to be aware of the tipping culture and policies of the place you are visiting or dining in. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service and can significantly impact the income of service workers in many parts of the world. As a best practice, when in doubt, it's better to err on the side of tipping, especially if you have received good service.

Restaurant customers who pay the food portion of their bill but not the mandatory gratuity have at times been arrested, charges are generally dropped. Some cruise lines charge their patrons $10/day in mandatory tipping; this does not include extra gratuities for alcoholic beverages.